Overview
Connor Smith is a litigation attorney who helps clients navigate all phases of the litigation process in state and federal court and before administrative agencies. His practice includes commercial litigation, tax litigation, fiduciary litigation, and a broad spectrum of work with Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs).
A fourth-generation Alaskan, Connor worked in the commercial fishing industry—first as a deckhand and then as a vessel owner and captain—before becoming an attorney. Connor utilizes this experience to assist participants in the commercial fishing industry in navigating a wide variety of matters, including Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act litigation, regulatory compliance, and tax disputes. Connor also represents clients in the energy, mining, and oil and gas industries, offering strategic counsel on litigation and regulatory matters.
In addition, he advises ANCs on land use, governance, and disputes that often intersect with resource management. With deep insight into Alaska’s legal and business environment, he delivers practical, forward-looking guidance tailored to clients operating in this unique jurisdiction.
Connor maintains an active pro bono practice focused on supporting local communities, including efforts to improve access to justice and provide legal services to underserved populations across Alaska.
Prior to joining Stoel Rives, Connor served as a law clerk for the Honorable Craig Stowers of the Alaska Supreme Court and as a judicial extern to the Honorable Morgan Christen of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Education
Seattle University School of Law, J.D., 2018, summa cum laude; graduated number 1 in class; Executive Editor, American Indian Law Journal; Dean’s List
California Polytechnic State University, B.A., Political Science, 2013; Dean’s List
Admissions
Alaska
United States District Court for the District of Alaska
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Experience
- Obtained favorable jury verdict as lead counsel for commercial fishing company plaintiff on breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation, and unfair trade practices act claims.
- Served as counsel for fisheries trade association and prevailed in Magnuson-Stevens Act litigation against the National Marine Fisheries Service.
- Represented Alaska Native regional corporations and their subsidiaries in commercial, environmental, and personal injury litigation.
- Represented major oil companies in production tax and property tax disputes.
- Represented major oil companies in commercial disputes and in litigation with the State of Alaska.
- Represented prominent seafood processing company in tax dispute with the State of Alaska.
- Served as outside general counsel to major Alaska seafood trade association.
- Represented beneficiaries and trustees in fiduciary litigation regarding trusts and estates.
- Obtained favorable judgment on behalf of mining company in quiet title action.
- Represented prominent maritime company in collections action — obtaining and collecting judgment.
- Represented Alaska Legislature in litigation with Alaska’s Attorney General and obtained favorable result that was affirmed by the Alaska Supreme Court.
Recognition
- Listed in the Alaska Business Legal Elite, 2023–2024
- Stoel Rives LLP Andrew Guy Pro Bono Award, Recipient, 2021–2022
- Alaska Legal Services Corporation, Volunteer of the Month
- Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (ANDVSA), Volunteer of the Month
- National Jurist Top 20 Law Students in the Nation for 2018
- CALI Awards for Legal Writing, Business Entities, Alaska Trial Advocacy, Civil Procedure, Judicial Externship, and Criminal Law
- Law School Faculty Trust Award
- Mary Ellen Krug Award
- Fredric C. Tausend Award for Academic Excellence
Affiliations
Civic
- Anchorage Youth Court, Member (former Co-Secretary & current Co-Chair), Board of Directors, 2021–2024
- ANDVSA Pro Bono Attorney
- Alaska Legal Services Corporation, Pro Bono Attorney
- Alaska Immigration Justice Project, Pro Bono Attorney
- Federal Pro Bono Project, Pro Bono Attorney
- Alaska Small Business Legal Clinic, Volunteer Attorney
- ALSC Landlord Tenant Hotline, Volunteer Attorney
- Highschool Mock Trial, Volunteer Coach
- Supreme Court LIVE Education program